The Western church is about to enter stage two of its exile from the mainstream culture and the public square. And it will not be an easy time.

In case you missed it, Exile Stage One began a few decades or so ago, budding in the sexual revolution of the sixties before building up a head of steam some 20 years ago. Finally some Christians sat down to talk about it 15 or so years ago, and that set the ball, and the publishing companies rolling.

For those of us in ministry who were culture watchers, Exile Stage One was a heady time. Only we never called it Exile Stage One. We simply called it “Exile”, and poured over biblical texts such as the exilic book of Daniel and its New Testament counterpart 1Peter. After all no one ever called World War One “World War One” before World War Two came along…

*Shameless Plug: Jared has recently graciously agreed to be our speaker at the 2016 Build Conference (NSW Men’s Conference held at Toukley on the Central Coast). More details here. I’d bookmark it and check back often for when registration opens up, it’ll fill up fast!

2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

I read these words again today, awakening in me afresh an ache for a home not yet seen…

but no less real.

It’s been a constant theme in my life, the battle that wages between two worlds, that I should live and exist here, yet all the while belong to another kingdom.

Easter has come and gone, and with it a wealth of reminders about the significance of this yearly ritual of remembrance. The King We Needed, But Never Wanted by Marshall Segal was just what I needed to read.

In addition, a fresh reminder of the brutality of forgiveness was given by Richard Stearns in Slaughterhouse Gospel.

Jared C. Wilson writes an excellent primer for his soon to be released book. This great article takes the concept of the prodigal son as an individual and extends it to the church. A challenging read; When the Prodigal Church Comes Home.